Salmonella Case Tied To Foster Farms Outbreak Confirmed In Fla.

TALLLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – The Florida Department of Health announced Wednesday that one case of salmonellosis linked to Foster Farms chicken has been confirmed in the Sunshine State.

“Individuals who have eaten the suspect chicken and experience symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps should seek medical attention,” said Dr. Anna Marie Likos, Florida Division of Disease Control and Health Protection Director. “The Department will continue to monitor the situation and inform the public as new information becomes available.”

Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella, a group of bacteria (germs) that can cause illness in humans. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection.

Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not require treatment other than oral fluids.

The outbreak of Salmonella has hit 300 people in 18 states since July. The poultry producer Foster Farms has been linked to the outbreak.

The outbreak forced the Centers for Disease Control to recall approximately 30 staffers including those who work on foodborne illnesses.

The CDC’s action came 24 hours after the USDA issued a public warning about the salmonella outbreak in Foster Farms chicken.

The USDA said the affected meat has one of three establishment numbers inside a USDA inspection mark or elsewhere on the package. The numbers are P6137, P6137A, and P7632.

The cases may share some overlap with an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg tied to Foster Farms chicken announced in May, Reynolds said. But most of the cases occurred since July.

The previous outbreak was declared over in July after 134 people in 13 states became sick, including 33 who were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in either outbreak, the CDC said.